Exciting Game Last Night

Wednesday==>Good afternoon to all of my loyal and faithful readers and followers from up here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

What a game last night out at Yankee Stadium, The House That Greed And Ego Built. 

As I had anticipated it was a nail-biter from the first pitch. As you sports fans know, The Bronx Bomber overcame a 3-run deficit to beat Seattle 4-3 on clutch hitting from Robby Cano and Lyle Overbay.

Curtis Granderson was in the lineup for the first time this season, having finally recovered from breaking his right forearm in the first game of Spring Training.

Neither starting pitcher, CC Sabathia for the Yankees and Felix Hernandez aka King Felix for the Mariners, was credited with either the win or loss but they both pitched decent games, especially King Felix.

Mo got his 16th consecutive save of the season.

An amazing stat==>of the 51 outs recorded in the game, 25 came via strikeouts (13 by Mariners, 12 by Yankees).

It was windy and cold but I had dressed appropriately, so it wasn’t a problem. The announced attendance was 41,267, not bad for a weeknight game.

This was the 4th game of my 12-game season ticket package (2-2)

Tonight is game 2 of the series and it will be Phil Hughes (2-2) for the Bombers vs. Hisashi Iwakuma (4-1) for the Mariners.

Tonight’s entertainment for your favorite blogger is an Off Broadway show ... 

7:00==>UNCENSORED - “An exhilarating production that features original and thought-provoking works by New York City teens. Original monologues, scenes, music, and ensemble pieces explore diverse topics such as family, sexuality, politics, religion, relationships, and other issues that are at the core of the often-complex and exhilarating challenge of being a teenager in New York City.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This show is playing at the Theatre Row Complex on my block.

I saw this talented group perform last year and totally enjoyed it so I am really looking forward to this show.

Need some walk and wander time so ...

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.38 miles (or, 9,570 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/12==>1,483.60 miles

GO YANKEES!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Monday’s “Day Off”==>Split Decision

Tuesday==>OK my loyal and faithful readers and followers let’s cut to the chase about yesterday’s “Day Off” for your favorite blogger here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

In the name of fair and unbiased reporting Billi Pod has to classify it as a split decision. What do I mean by that I know you are all breathlessly asking your inner selves? Well ... inner selves ... what I mean is ...

The reason I decided not to book any entertainment event for the day/evening was my desire to stay in the cozy confines of PHC in front of the tube to watch both games of the Yankee/Cleveland doubleheader. It was scheduled to make up for 2 earlier rain-out games. The first game started at 1:05pm and the second around 4:30pm.

And, this is just what I did and the result was ... tada ... a split decision ...

The Bronx Bombers lost the first game by a score of 1-0 as Cleveland pitcher Justin Masterson pitched a complete-game 4-hit shutout.

In the second game the Bronx Bomber bats finally came alive and we won 7-0, with a lineup that was basically replacements and rookies.

Actually both games were exciting and I am glad I stayed in to watch them.

With the win our winning percentage (.632) is tied for second place in the Major Leagues, just behind St. Louis (.649). This is pretty amazing for a team that has been injury plagued since the beginning of the season.

As you loyal and faithful readers and followers know, the combination of the computer glitch at my urologist’s office and the baseball doubleheader resulted in a delayed posting and that combination pretty much took me into mid-evening.

I got antsy and finally did leave PHC for a too brief walk and wander session. It was brief because it was really cold and windy.

So ... why don’t we leave the past in the past and move on to the present ... with Billi Pod’s entertainment schedule for today ...

7:05pm==>YANKEES/SEATTLE @ Yankee Stadium, The House That Greed And Ego Built. (season ticket package)

This is the first game of a 3-game series and on the mound for the Bronx Bombers will be our ace CC Sabathia (4-3) vs. Felix Hernandez aka King Felix (5-2) the ace of the Mariners’ staff.

It should be a nail biter from the first pitch. The weather is predicted to be in the upper 50s and windy, so I will dress appropriately. 

OK, I still have some things and stuff that need to be done so ...

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>2.67 miles (or, 5,834 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/12==>1,479.22 miles

GO YANKEES!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.” 

Sunday==>AWESOME Tripleheader!!

Monday==>Yes, this posting is a bit late and I know you loyal and faithful readers and followers are getting antsy and perhaps even worried ... but ... no problem ... your favorite blogger is OK up here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

What is my excuse/reason(s) I know you are all anxiously asking your inner selves ... well ... selves ... first ... Billi Pod had to go to his urologist’s office for blood work for next Monday’s semiannual finger-up-the-butt session and ... what should have been a 15 minute procedure took over 90 minutes waiting time due to a major computer glitch. Add the travel time to and from the office, down at Union Square, and there you have part of the reason for the delay in posting.

The second reason/excuse ... I had previously planned that today, Monday, was going to be something unusual for Billi Pod==>A Day Off. 

Yes ... that’s right ... there ... I said it for everyone in cyberspace to know. A Day Off. And ... for the day off I planned to stay in and watch both games of the Yankees/Cleveland doubleheader. 

Well, folks ... I did just that ... the first game started at 12:10pm and was over around 3:00pm. The second game started 30 minutes later and was over around 6:30pm.

So ... this is why there was no timely blog posting ... but ... not to fear everyone because ...

Billi Pod is now ready ... so ... 

Take a deep breath and let’s get started with his report cards/observations/comments on yesterday’s AWESOME entertainment tripleheader ... starting with ...

NYC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & MASTERWORKS FESTIVAL CHORUS @ Carnegie Hall==>Wonderful!!

As you can see from the picture, taken from my Dress Circle (3rd level up) comp. seat, the Chorus was really large, with 200+ members from 11 participating ensembles. The first part of the program was Brahms “Requiem,” performed in English, and it was beautiful.

The second part of the program was orchestral performances from the Wright State University Wind Symphony, Dayton, OH, and the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra, Princeton, NJ. Both groups were outstanding.

Yes, it was a wonderful way to start my entertainment tripleheader and I left Carnegie Hall with a big smile on my face.

I had walked from PHC to Carnegie Hall and decided to walk back while listening to the final innings of the Yankees/Royals game. Details later in the posting.

At 5:30pm I met up with my theater-buddy Dian Crystal aka My Lady at Meske, our favorite Ethiopian Restaurant, located on West 47th Street in my immediate ‘hood.

I was definitely in need of an Ethiopian food fix. We both ordered our usual meal, the Vegetarian Sampler, and, as usual, it was AWESOME.

When we finished our eating and catching-up session we split and I came back to PHC to take care of some business. Then My Lady and I met up again for the third part of my tripleheader, an Off Broadway musical ...

SPANDEX: A NEW MUSICAL FOR ALL SIZES, nothing can keep you down, not even a mulleted fitness instructor who feeds you diet pills, and calls you a loser==>A

This was a very pleasant surprise. It is very funny and has an incredibly talented, in-shape, cast. The choreography is absolutely amazing.

The full-house audience was really into the show and gave the performers a well-deserved standing ovation at curtain call.

The only drawback to the show is the theater, 777 Theatre, on 8th Avenue b/t 47th and 48th, which is up 4-flights of steep steps and there is no elevator.

If this isn't a problem for you, then Billi Pod highly recommends this show. It is running through May 26th.

So ... there you have it ... I hope you loyal and faithful readers and followers will agree that yesterday was an AWESOME day entertainment-wise.

Moving on ...

Yesterday afternoon the Yankees swept the 3-game series from the KC Royals, winning 4-2 on another stellar outing from Hiroki Kuroda.

Details about today’s Yankees/Cleveland doubleheader will be in tomorrow’s posting.

When the Yankees complete the makeup doubleheader they will return to Yankee Stadium to begin a 6-game home stand. I will see two of those games.

OK ... this brings you loyal and faithful readers and followers sorta up-to-date.

It is now 7:30pm and, frankly, I am antsy as Hell ... WTF am I doing in the apartment??? I will post this and then head out for a walk and wander session somewhere. 

Hummmmmmm why is everyone else so intense about days off? Makes no sense to moi ... oh well ... to each his own ... or ... whatever ... jus sayin’ ...

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>5.67 miles (or, 12,387 steps)

Mileage for the week==>26.64 miles (average 3.81 miles per day)

Total mileage since 7/1/12==>1,476.56 miles  (average 4.67 miles per day)

GO YANKEES!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

Back-to-Back Doubleheaders for Billi Pod

Sunday==>HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!

Your favorite blogger needs to get this posting underway because today is yet another entertainment-packed doubleheader for him here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World.

So ... let’s get started with Billi Pod’s report cards on yesterday's doubleheader ... starting with ...

VICE GIRL CONFIDENTIAL, about an investigation into the crime, grime and grit that plagued the streets of 1950s Gotham==>B+

Very funny and extremely well-performed by a stellar ensemble cast. The 80 minute running time flies by.

If you want a good belly-laugh, then this is the show for you.

It is playing at the Studio Theatre at Theatre Row on West 42nd Street and runs through May 19th.

When the show was over I came back to PHC for the usual pre-theater snack, a fruit and cheese plate, and then headed out a bit early for my second show, which was downtown at Union Square.

I headed out early so I could listen to the Yankees/Royals game. I spent about 90 minutes just walking and wandering in the Union Square ‘hood. The weather was awesome.

Then it was time for my second show ...

MURDER BALLAD, the complications of love, the compromises we make, and the betrayals that can ultimately undo us==>A

This is an emotionally charged show and the 4-person cast, John Ellison Conlee, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Caissie Levy and Will Swenson is incredible. What talent.

This is a rock-opera and there is virtually no spoken dialogue. The Union Square Theatre has been transformed into a night club setting and the performers weave in an out of the audience.

Yes, it is very much in your face and because of that it will not suit everyone but ... if you like rock music and drama, then this is definitely the show for you.

My friends Michael Pederson and Dennis Dohman were at the same performance and they both loved the show.

The running time is 80 minutes and it will run through July 7th.

Moving on ...

Today is yet another doubleheader, actually a tripleheader, for your favorite blogger ... first is ... 

2:00==>NYC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & MASTERWORKS FESTIVAL CHORUS @ Carnegie Hall - The program is: Brahms’ Requiem (concert - complimentary ticket)

When the concert is over I will walk back back to my ‘hood and meet up with Dian Crystal aka My Lady at our favorite Ethiopian restaurant, Meske, on West 47th Street, for an early pre-theater bite.

When we finish up at Meske we will either come back to PHC and chill or do some walking and wandering in my 'hood.

Then we will see ...

8:00==>SPANDEX: A NEW MUSICAL FOR ALL SIZES - “In the world of competitive aerobics, 2 women take charge of their lives, tightening glutes and delts along the way. Nothing can keep you down. No man. No woman. Not even a mulleted fitness instructor who feeds you diet pills and calls you a loser.” (Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

Hummmmmmmmm ... I have a feeling this is gonna fall into the “I-loved-it” or “I-hated-it” category. We will just have to see.

So, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, I hope you will agree that this looks like a very interesting tripleheader for Billi Pod ... just hope it plays out that way ...

Moving on ...

Earlier in this posting I mentioned the Yankee/Royals game ... well, my loyal and faithful readers, it was a very exciting game. The Yankees won 3-2 with Vernon Wells hitting what was a game-winning 2-run homer in the top of the 5th inning. Andy Pettitte had a good outing and got the win.

This afternoon @ 2:30pm will be the final game of the series with Hiroki Kuroda (4-2) on the mound for the Bronx Bombers vs. Ervin Santana (3-1) for the Royals.

The Bombers will then fly to Cleveland for a doubleheader tomorrow to makeup two rain-out games.

OK everyone out there in cyberspace ... time to post this and then get ready to head up to Carnegie Hall ...

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>4.97 miles (or, 10,864 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/12==>1,470.88 miles

GO YANKEES!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY RUBY M. NORRIS (1907-1978)

Dear Mother:

I am who I am, what I am and where I am because of you, Ruby - my Muse, my Teacher, my Mentor, my Role-Model, my Best Friend ... my Mother.

I am now, and forevermore will be, your loving and devoted Son.

Peace and Love!!

Bill

(picture taken in Tampa, FL, in 1937)

CARMEN’S PLACE (A Fantasy)==>A

Saturday==>It is a gray and overcast morning here in The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, with light rain in the forecast for late afternoon and into the evening. Oh well ...

I will get this posting started with Billi Pod’s report card on last night’s entertainment event ...

CARMEN’S PLACE (A Fantasy), about 3 young opera singers and their relationship with a cafe waitress named Carmen==>A

This was really a pleasant surprise. The voices of the lead performers, Stephanie Harter Gilmore, Dory Schultz and Sean Kroll are great, truly opera-level. 

Well known arias from Carmen, such as “Toreador’s Song” and “Gypsy Song,” are performed in English. They are interspersed with original songs that weave the story lines together.

If you are a fan of theatre and an opera fan in particular, then this is the show for you.

It is playing at the Castillo Theatre on West 42nd Street and runs through June 16th.

Moving on ...

Today is yet another doubleheader for your favorite blogger, beginning with ...

2:00==>VICE GIRL CONFIDENTIAL - “An expose not for the faint of heart, the show uncovers the grime and grit plaguing the streets of 1950s Gotham. Only one man, D.A. Walter Slade, can stand up to the vice-racket kingpin Duke Craigie - that is, if he can shake off his yen for Stella Fontaine, the madam of New York's most infamous brothel.” (Off Broadway - $9.00 TDF ticket)

Yeah ... sounds like fun doesn’t it?

This show is playing at the Theatre Row Complex on my block.

Then for the evening is a musical ...

9:00 (yes, that is the correct time)==>MURDER BALLAD - “This sexy, explosive new musical explores the complications of love, the compromises we make, and the betrayals that can ultimately undo us.”(Off Broadway - complimentary ticket)

This show had a very successful run last year at the Manhattan Theatre Club and has now moved to the larger Union Square Theatre downtown.

Now, my loyal and faithful readers and followers, it is time for a bit of baseball ...

Last night the Bronx Bomber bats came alive as the Yankees pummeled the KC Royals 11-6, with Phil Hughes getting the win.

The win was #500 for manager Joe Girardi as a Yankee.

Tonight @ 7:10pm in Kansas City it will be game 2 with Andy Pettitte (4-3) on the mound for the Bombers vs. James Shields (2-2) for the Royals.

On another note ... I posted earlier about the possibility that Timmy Tebow had been blackballed by the NFL because of his religious beliefs and his cult following ... well ... the internet is a-buzz on this topic and here is a link for you loyal and faithful readers to check out ...

http://search.yahoo.com/search?cs=bz&p=Tim%20Tebow%20blackballed&fr=fp-tts-900&fr2=ps

So ... on this not very happy note, will close out this posting.

HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE WEEKEND EVERYONE!

Yesterday’s Pedometer mileage==>5.10 miles (or, 11,154 steps)

Total mileage since 7/1/12==>1,465.91 miles

GO YANKEES!!

Billi Pod

“Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.”